Transformation Of Visa Regulations Before And After For Australian 482 And 186 Trt Visas
Australia is undergoing significant revisions to facilitate the transition of temporary workers to permanent residents. Previously, the pathway for temporary workers to secure permanent residency took a lot of work. However, the government is implementing changes to streamline this process, initiating November 25, 2023, primarily affecting visa categories such as the Temporary Skill Shortage (subclass 482) and specific elements within the Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) and Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (subclass 187).
The objective is to establish a more transparent and accessible route for temporary skilled workers to attain permanent residency in Australia. These modifications aim to simplify and enhance the process for both workers and the employers hiring them. They serve as an initial phase in the broader agenda of reforming Australia’s skilled visa programs.
The changes will apply to new visa applications lodged after November 25, 2023, and will bring alterations to certain nomination requirements for visa applications pending decision by that date.
The adjustments contain aspects such as expanding the opportunities for short-term workers to apply for visas within Australia and easing the process for workers to be nominated for permanent residency. Importantly, these alterations will not impact the overall migration intake but will rather offer greater opportunities for existing temporary workers to secure permanent residency.
The amendments will redefine criteria regarding occupational requirements, work experience, and age exemptions, thereby broadening the scope for more individuals to obtain permanent residency in Australia. These changes represent a significant stride towards offering more individuals the opportunity to call Australia their permanent home.
Here is a side-by-side comparison of what it was like earlier and what the system will look like after the changes.
Changes to the 482 Visa
| Before | After |
| Applicants in Australia for their 3rd or subsequent subclass 482 visas had to leave the country before applying. | The requirement for applicants to leave Australia for their 3rd or subsequent subclass 482 visas is expected to be removed. |
Changes to the 186 Visa
| Before | After |
| Specific occupation lists determined eligibility for 186 TRT applications. | The occupation list requirement is being removed, and replaced by aligning the nominated occupation with the ANZSCO classification of the 482 visa. |
| The occupation list requirement is being removed, and replaced by aligning the nominated occupation with the ANZSCO classification of the 482 visa. | All 482 visa holders, regardless of their stream, will become eligible for 186 TRT nominations. |
| The requirement was to work for the employer for 3 out of the last 4 years for TRT nominations. | The work requirement is being reduced to 2 out of the last 3 years for TRT nominations. |
| Applicants under 45 needed to work for 3 years before getting an exemption for 186 TRT visa applications. | The exemption will apply after 2 years of work for applicants under 45 years. |
